More time passes. I've become stronger. Much stronger. I can finally withstand Nyx's middle tier magic. Also, after just an hour of spell casting, I can slightly chip her barrier.

Along with the magic lessons, I've continued my physical exercises regularly. As expected, my monster body doesn't necessarily change. While my muscles have become tauter, it isn't very noticeable. One thing that has changed is my facial structure. Before, it was more of a grotesque, bumpy fish-like face. For some reason, after being hit by so much magic and being so close to a divine being, I've become more humanoid.

Back in my old world, I could have even passed as a model. My features are handsome and refined. Looking at one of the mirrors, sharp, intense eyes stare back at me.

Nyx still makes me bentos everyday. Our lives are basically intertwined with each other. A few years ago, Nyx decided to help me with chores. After teaching her how to clean and dust, we began working together just like a newly-wed couple. Hehehe.

Before, I slept in one of the many vacant rooms in her mansion. Being my master, Nyx ordered me to sleep on the same bed "to stay warm! It gets cold at night, it's not like we're s-s-sleeping together because I want to or anything!"

As much as I would love to stay with Nyx for eternity, I have other plans. Every day that passes now, reminds me of the ever distant chasm between us. The only way to bridge that gap is to become stronger. Nyx will never intensively train me out of fear of breaking me. Without strong opponents how would I be able to reach her heights?

I think of all the monsters and gods dwelling on the surface world and grow excited. Just you wait Nyx. I don't care if it takes me a century or a millennium. One day I swear I will confess my love to you. I swear on the River Styx!

With my monologue over, I look up at Nyx.

"Hey Nyx."

I'm currently resting my head on her lap. Recently, she began to let me lie down on her lap while we lazed around.

"What is it Rei-chan."

She started calling me Rei-chan too, instead of 'slave.' Not that I minded.

"I want to go outside."

"What?"

"I want to go outside," I repeat. I know that's not what she meant, but I can't help myself.

She frowns, a little unhappy.

"Why though? Are you really that desperate to leave your master?"

She says it teasingly, but I can tell she's worried. Spending such a long time with someone helps you catch even their slightest moods.

"It's not that Nyx. I'm very happy actually. In fact, I wouldn't mind staying like this forever. But are you sure you'd want that? It would be just like this, we'd be more than friends but less than lovers. You know why I need to get stronger."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

She smiles sadly.

"You don't need to do that. I don't care if you're weaker than me or stronger than me. Why can't you just stay?"

She had confessed to me quite recently. It was while we were sparring. As I breathed heavily from the mana toil, she had asked, "Do you like me Rei-chan?" Being out of breath, I could only gape in shock. Without skipping a beat, she continued. "Cause I'm pretty sure I like you. All the time we spend together, I can definitely say has been the best part of my long, long existence."

I was surprised at her confession and also really happy. It broke my heart but I had to reject it. Looking back, I should have started off by explaining why I couldn't accept her. She was devastated at first but grudgingly acquiesced after I explained. Though I do have my suspicions that the only thing she heard was that I also loved her.

Reminiscing about then, I glance at Nyx. She's pouting and looks so damn cute.

"You already know why Nyx. I can't call myself a man when I can't even protect the woman I love."

"L-l-l-love?" Heat rises to her face.

I flick her on the forehead.

"Yes idiot. I love you."

I chuckle as she turns the deepest shade of red I've ever seen. Turning her face from me, she timidly asks.

"Before you go, can we sleep together? As friends."

I'm a little shocked. I didn't realize how bold she could be. I nod a little.

"Also, there's something I want to give you too…"

I tilt my head at that. She doesn't explain and I decide not to pursue it. Right now, all I can think of is the prospect of sleeping with her. Before I know it, we're both lying on her bed.

Her bed is so soft. It's like I fell into an ocean of silk. I look over at Nyx. She's in sleepwear, a black negligée that's basically see through.

She's already nodding in her sleep and starts to mutter something. I yawn and turn my head on the pillow to face the other side. Before I can close my eyes, I feel two arms grabbing me around my waist and a person's hot breath on my neck. Two soft, bumps are pressed against my back and a slight groan comes from behind me.

My eyes widen. Nyx shifts her weight and her legs are wrapped around me. She presses her face against my back.

"Nngh."

I turn my head, my face quickly flushing. The Goddess of Night is currently cuddling with me in her bed. As a healthy male, I can't help but *ahem* physically react to her. I mean she is a goddess, I can't be blamed right? I'm so excited that I can't sleep. While I try my best to think of anything but her breasts smooshed against me, time slowly crawls until Nyx starts to yawn and stir.

Her morning hair is chaotic but it only elevates her charm. She slowly opens her sleepy eyes and rubs them. She looks at me then realizes she's been clinging to me all night.

"KYAAAAAAA"

I chuckle. "Ohaiyo Nyx."

"O-o-o-ohaiyo," she mutters.

We eat a light breakfast then head to her office. That's right, she said she'd give me something. She glances at me, any signs of the night long erased from her face.

"You're going to leave right?"

I nod.

"And there's nothing I can do to change your mind?"

I nod again. Sighing, she beckons me closer, "Then come here, this will be my parting gift for you."

I walk over to her, curious, and I watch as she takes out a knife and slices her palm.

"Oi oi, what are you doing Nyx!"

She ignores me and takes out a chalice.

Golden blood pours out of her into the glass. Ichor. The blood of the gods.

My monster senses are going wild. The blood smells delicious and I almost start drooling.

She fills the chalice then heals her wound. She hands the chalice to me.

With a sharp look, she orders me.

"Drink."

I put the cup to my lips and start drinking. It's sweet. It tastes like nectar.

Then I widen my eyes. Instead of being digested, I can feel the blood merging with my body. I stagger and stumble on my knees. My pain tolerance has drastically increased because of my spars with Nyx but I am still surprised at how excruciating it is.

I start to lose consciousness as the pain flares up. Light flashes through the dark room and I finally close my eyes.